Intro: For the past 38 years my husband, John, has been the sole proprietor of a dental practice—owned an unincorporated business by himself [w/a little help from me]. Essentially, the name and reputation of the practice has rested upon John and his character. As the sole proprietor, John has been the boss, had the task of keeping everything in order, production going, efficient in resource and supply, and has personally established the ethical standard by which the business has operated in order to serve others in his care. Everything about the business has been John’s responsibility to oversee and everyone employed by the practice has answered to him for the service every patient has been given. Because of the weight of John’s responsibilities, taking time off when sick, taking vacations to get refreshed, or enjoying time off during the holidays has been a bit of a challenge over those 38 years—but, that is the reality of sole proprietorship. God has been so good to us!
God is the Creator and Supreme Sole Proprietor of the whole earth. Humanity may want to forget that important fact, but it does not change the reality of Truth. God alone is the rightful Ruler and Judge of everything involving the earth and He has created and appointed human beings to be stewards of His creation. God is the boss, everything belongs to Him, and He decides the standard by which the earth and everything in it operates, because it is a reflection of His character. God has no problem with all the responsibilities involving His earth, because He is Omniscient [knows all—so nothing surprises Him], Omnipotent [has total control and ultimate power], and Omnipresent [is present with His whole Being all the time]. God never slumbers or sleeps (Ps 121:4). No challenge exists that can change the perfect rule of God.
In our passage today, David reminds God’s people about the chain of command regarding the earth. As God’s people, we need to remain committed as stewards of the earth under His sovereign rule. He is the King who leads us to steward His glory…we are His worshipers! We say, “Thank you, Lord!”
Psalm 24 A psalm of David.
1
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.
The world and all its people belong to him.
2
For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas
and built it on the ocean depths.
3
Who may climb the mountain of the Lord?
Who may stand in his holy place?
4
Only those whose hands and hearts are pure,
who do not worship idols
and never tell lies.
5
They will receive the Lord’s blessing
and have a right relationship with God their savior.
6
Such people may seek you
and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob. Interlude
7
Open up, ancient gates!
Open up, ancient doors,
and let the King of glory enter.
8
Who is the King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty;
the Lord, invincible in battle.
9
Open up, ancient gates!
Open up, ancient doors,
and let the King of glory enter.
10
Who is the King of glory?
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies—
he is the King of glory. Interlude
Prayer: Lord, in every area of our lives, may we be mindful that everything belongs to you and that it is a privilege to be your stewards in the earth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.